2014 Mazda 6

Bottom line: The 2014 Mazda 6, of which the Grand Touring version is the top model, is an ordinary-looking sedan gifted with extraordinary technology. It belongs at the top of the list for anyone shopping for a high-quality, reliable, safe and enjoyable family sedan.

Ride, acceleration and handling: Ride and handling are excellent. Acceleration is good, meaning that you can competently change lanes on high-speed expressways.

Head-turning quotient: Blah. It gets trounced by models such as the Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion. The tragedy here is for the would-be buyer. Someone impressed solely by looks will miss out on a very good thing.

Body style/layout: The 2014 Mazda 6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive midsize family sedan of unitized construction with four side doors and a traditional notchback trunk. It is available in three iterations — Sport, Touring and Grand Touring.

Important product note: Mazda is working on a Skyactiv-D version of its Skyactiv-equipped vehicles. That’s “D” as in diesel-powered. Think mileage considerably above the gasoline-powered Mazda 6’s Environmental Protection Agency-rated 38 miles per gallon on the highway.

Engine/transmissions: The 2014 Mazda 6 comes standard with a 2.5-liter, 16-valve, gasoline direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine with variable valve lift and timing. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that also can be shifted manually. A traditional six-speed gearbox is available.